The St. Louis Blues have activated goaltender Jaroslav Halak off injured reserve.

Halak, 27, strained his groin on Feb. 1 against the Detroit Red Wings. He missed the remainder of that game and three other games. He returned to practice over the weekend.

The Blues welcome back top goalie Jaroslav Halak. (AP Photo)

The move comes a day after coach Ken Hitchcock was critical of Brian Elliott's play following a 6-5 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The loss dropped the Blues to 0-3-1 in their past four games.

Elliott must play better, Hitchcock told NHL.com.

"Not playing very good. Not much I can say. He'd be the first to tell you too. He's got to play better," Hitchcock told the website. "You can't stay in the lineup if you don't play well. I don't care who you are. He's got to play better."

While Halak was out, Elliott gave up 16 goals in four games.

In five games this season, Halak is 3-0-0 with a 2.10 GAA and two shutouts.

Last season, the Blues finished second in the Western Conference behind the strength of the goaltending tandem of Halak and Elliott. The duo combined 49 wins and 15 shutouts while the team allowed the fewest goals in the league (165).

In a corresponding move, goaltender Jake Allen was assigned to their AHL Peoria affiliate.